Monday, October 13, 2008

I wondered about some of the names of the streets in our town. Some were obvious with only a passing knowledge of our Town's history: MAGANI Avenue for a former Mayor.I've been of the misconception for some time that one does't have to be dead to be worthy of such an honour (Hudson, Roughley are the ones which immediately come to mind- which upon review I was proven wrong). I decided to embark on a personaly history lesson vis a vis the two volume offering of the BWG Historcal Society entitled Governor Simcoe Slept Here. I've yet to read it cover to cover, but browsing through its pages I've discovered some interesting history:

Henry AISHFORD; Matthew ARCHER; Charles TURNER; Bert and William WOOD; W.L. MELBOURNE Frank KILKENNY, member of the School board in 1923.

The AVERILL family (Adam born 1858); Benjamin 1860-1920)

The BANNERMAN family, dating back to the late 1700's, early 1800's.

The CHURCH family, dating back to 1875

William Henry DAY (1871-1938), Teacher/Professor.

The DISETTE family one of the first settlers in the Village of Bradford.

The EVANS family, dating back to the 1700's

Eli and Elizabeth GARDNER settled in West Gwillimbury in the early 1900's.

The HUDSON family: George (1870-1928) had a farm on the 13th Line of West Gwillimbury)There are many more.All of this gets me thinking about my previous post about being an 'outsider'. Funny enough, the person who made that comment doesn't appear anywhere in the history books of BWG, which to me is infinitely amusing. More importantly, the town is moving forward and growing. People are moving here from Toronto. People are coming here from other countries. I think it is important to embrace change while at the same time respecting our rich history.History is not stagnant. It continues with the passage of time. I hope I will make a meaningful contribution to the History of BWG.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Its funny - when I first moved to Bradford I wondered "what the heck have we done?". Back in 1992 they really did roll up the pavement at 6pm every day. (I had been an accidental visitor in 1989 when I was travelling in a van load of fellow employees of Canada Law Book to a golf tournament in Innisfil. We stopped at the VI on the way back and I stood at the 'four corners' convinced that I had been transported into a movie about the ugliest hick town on the planet.)

You know, I think there's merit in the saying 'you only get out of something what you put into it'. I became more and more involved in the community. Eventually, I began a career in Real Estate and decided from day one that giving back to the community would be one of my top priorities.

Since we have 3 children, it made sense to financially sponsor their sports teams. What a better way to 'give back' than to help provide activities to keep our kids positively engaged and off the streets.Bradford had truly become 'home' for me and my family. Imagine my surprise when, in walking my talk, I decided to have some printing done locally for advertising materials and had the most bizarre exchange. Upon informing the proprietor (ho has apparently lived in this town since The Bradford Times was delivered by roman paperboys on chariots) that even though the prices were slightly higher than I could procure elsewhere I felt it was important to support local businessess. Imagine my disbelief at the response: "What a refreshing attitude from an ousider". WOW I had no idea that 12 years of being involved in a community still classified one as an outsider.

Being confident about my role in our thriving community, I just let it go. I have great respect for the families who have helped to grow and shape Bradford into what it has become today, and I know that the combination of history and experience, along with fresh ideas and forward vision will help our Town become a better place for all.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Blogging....like I need something else to fill up my time. I guess I'll keep this up in my 'spare time' when I'm not busy being a wife, mother, real estate goddess, political animal, magazine editor/wannabe writer.